Nor'easter emerged in spring 2008 after Cedar, Max, and Julie played together at a Boston contra dance. Since then, the band increasingly brings their infectious rockin' danceability to dance floors throughout New England and beyond.
Cedar studied violin at the Crane School of Music and is equally at home with both traditional fiddle and classical violin. He has recorded and performed with the New York band Quickstep and currently studies violin making at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. His spirited, rhythmic playing and clear tone keep dancers on their feet.
Max has played traditional music widely at dances and sessions for most of his life, sharing the stage with a variety of dance musicians and traditional Irish musicians. His dynamic playing adds improvisatory punch and counterpoint to the band's sound.
Julie's roots are in classical, folk, and rock music, spending a number of years as a classical pianist and organist before being drawn to dance music. She has since studied with Mary Cay Brass, Rachel Aucoin, and Jacqueline Schwab, among others. A natural dance pianist, she anchors the band with driving rhythm and thoughtful harmonies.
Together, Nor'easter draws on Irish, Scottish, Quebecois, Cape Breton, and New England musical traditions to create an exciting, joyous sound for toe-tappin', feet-stompin', shoe-shufflin', heel-clickin', and booty-shakin'.
"A splendid exponent of the exciting new-generation contra dance
scene that has blossomed in Boston, and throughout New England, in the past decade." - BCMFest (Boston Celtic Music Festival)
"Even if you're not in a dancing mood, this is a band well worth the travel time...just for listening." - Ithaca, NY dance organizer
"Excellent musicianship... such a variety of textures and sounds... but most of all, the dance floor was rocking!" - Western MA dancer/dance organizer
"They set our feet to flying! With smiles all around. I see a bright future for this trio. If these folks come to a venue near you, do not hesitate to go! You’ll be glad you did!" - Gale Wood, Gilmanton, NH contra dance
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